HISTOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS IN ERYTHEMA TOXICUM NEONATORUM

Abstract

The first histologic description of lesions of erythema toxicum neonatorum is given. It is shown that erythema toxicum neonatorum is related to the pilo-sebaceous follicle. The histologic picture is quite different from that of other rashes considered in the discussion of the clinical differential diagnosis. The papule of erythema toxicum neonatorum shows an accumulation of leukocytes with a predominance of eosinophils within the layers of the hair follicle just below the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin. The pustule of erythema toxicum neonatorum is the result of an accumulation of these cells within the superficial epidermis encircling the hair. The papulo-pustular lesion shows also histologically a combination of both components. The microscopic changes associated with the macule and erythema are meager; only a few perivascular eosinophils are present in the dermis. The cause of erythema toxicum neonatorum is unknown.